London, Europe Brief News – You may think that come winter it’s time to swap those brightly coloured and fragrant flowers that have filled your home throughout summer for just a Christmas tree and holly.
Maybe, you neglect the garden in the colder months, only venturing outside to it again when the daffodils start to sprout in spring.
But, it doesn’t have to be this way! Here are five winter flowers that will thrive during the coldest months of the year.
Snowdrops
Also called galanthus, snowdrops must be planted in the fall for a very early spring show. These darling droopy-headed flowers look best at the front of borders or in rock gardens and often start blooming when snow is still on the ground (thus, the name!).
Pansies
Pansies and violas bloom for most of the winter in mild climates, and some types will rebound in the spring in cold climates. They’re technically annuals, but many varieties drop seeds so they’ll come back again next spring.
Daffodils
These sunny little flowers are usually the first ones to crop up in the early spring, but sometimes they can grace your yard as early as February. For the best results, plant your bulbs at least three weeks before the expected first frost. This will give the daffodils enough time to grow a strong root base.
Hellebores
These gorgeous perennials, also known as Lenten roses because they bloom around the time of Lent, appear in mid to late winter, depending on where you live. Despite their delicate appearance, they’re tough as nails.
Black Tulips
Black tulips, also known a Queen of the Night tulips, are the perfect moody winter flower. While tulips are usually associated with spring, they are actually pretty resilient and can withstand cold temperatures, so if you’re in a milder climate or feel up to the challenge, it’s worth planting these for a late winter/ early spring bloom (they need 8 to 15 weeks in the ground, so plant them during the fall).
